West=On=Track
-News

Rail Stop at Crusheen
Remains a Possibility: Minister Killeen

Press Release 15th
February 2008

Crusheen, Clare, 15th February 2008 - Junior
Environment and Energy Minister Tony Killeen has said that
the development of a rail stop at Crusheen along the route
of the Western Rail Corridor should not be discounted.

According to the Clare T.D., Iarnród
Éireann has not ruled out the proposal and would
consider any evidence to suggest that such a development
would be warranted.

In a letter to Minister Killeen, the Chief Executive of
Iarnród Éireann outlined, "The reopening of
Crusheen Station was not included in the Western Rail
Corridor Phase 1 project with the reopening of the Ennis to
Athenry line because of the very limited development in
Crusheen, as identified in Clare County Council's North
Clare Local Area Plan 2005."

According to Minister Killeen, "I have reminded the CEO
that detailed additional information has been collated by
the local community, with considerable assistance from Clare
County Council, regarding the potential future use of the
proposed rail stop. This information along with undertakings
relating to the provision of adequate car parking facilities
at the platform in Crusheen have been submitted to
Iarnród Éireann. In light of this new
information, I have requested the company to review the
potential for the establishment of a rail stop at
Crusheen."

The Minister said he had also received confirmation from
Iarnród Éireann that it would be keen to work
with developers who would fund a station scheme, as is the
case at a number of locations elsewhere on the national rail
network.

"Recent reports that Iarnród Éireann has
categorically ruled out the future opening of a rail stop at
Crusheen could not have been further from the truth. The
company has expressed its willingness to consider any
evidence supporting the establishment of a rail stop at
Crusheen, as part of scheduled passenger services between
Ennis and Athenry", stated the Minister.

He added that there remained a strong case for the
provision of a rail stop in Crusheen.

"Two stops are being provided for between Gort and
Athenry and none on the very long stretch of railway between
Ennis to Gort. Crusheen is an ideal location for people
coming from Ruan, Corofin, Tubber, Boston and elsewhere in
North Clare as well as Tulla and other areas of East Clare",
concluded Minister Killeen.